There is a startling statistic that shows death by opioid overdose from drugs like OxyContin has risen 400% since 1999. Rural areas of the U.S. like Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virgina have seen a drastic spike in diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. A report published in The Lancet medical journal outlines the weaknesses of the “war on drugs” that was first enacted by former President Richard Nixon. It also calls for the decriminalization of minor drug offenses such as possession, use, and petty sale. Experts say that the biggest factors fueling the increased in drug crimes is incarceration rates and lack of proper facilities that handle addicts and victims of drug crimes.

Due to the fact that even minor offenses can be considered federal crimes, there are few facilities that aid in things like substance replacement therapy or sterile needle trade. These facilities vary greatly depending on the region. In recent years, the landscape and attitude toward drugs has shifted greatly. Four states have already decriminalized marijuana. According to the report, decriminalizing non-violent drug crimes it would allow desperately needed money and manpower to tackle more serious crimes. Experts say that it’s difficult to change anything on a federal level especially when it comes to potentially dangerous crimes. But, the same experts say that it’s possible to change policy on a state level. Perhaps we’ll soon see a change in local or state public health programs and services.